Spokane

Spokane[9] is a city in eastern Washington. It is the second largest city in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest region, the largest city in the Inland Northwest, and the largest city in eastern Washington. The city's nickname is "The Lilac City".

Understand

Spokane is the economic hub of a surrounding agricultural area that serves roughly 1.5 million people. Its immediate metropolitan area is home to roughly 500,000 citizens and the city proper is home to 200,000. It is a rather conservative area, with a rather liberal city proper, and has a fairly small racial minority population (around 10%).

Get in

By plane

Spokane International Airport[11] is about seven miles to the west of Downtown. It operates flights regularly to Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Chicago, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Boise. Although Spokane has an international airport, there are no direct international flights at this time (though there were in the past to Canada). Flights to/from Canada normally go through Seattle (most common), Minneapolis, or Chicago. If everything is full, you might have to go further south. Currently, there's no way to get to Calgary and Edmonton without flying to a quite out-of-the-way hub city.

By train

Spokane is located on Amtrak's[12]Empire Builder route, which operates between Seattle/Portland and Chicago. Spokane is located at the point where westbound trains are split in half, one half going to Seattle through the Cascades and the other half to Portland OR-Vancouver WA along the Columbia River Gorge, and where eastbound trains from those cities are joined together to continue eastward. The Empire Builder connects with Amtrak's Coast Starlight in Seattle and Portland and with many other trains in Chicago. The Amtrak intermodal station, which is shared with Greyhound buses, is a new facility located downtown, close to major hotels and attractions.

By bus

Same goes for Greyhound. You can get to Spokane on Greyhound from just about anywhere in the U.S. Its station is the intermodal one previously mentioned.

Get around

By Bus

STA Bus in Downtown

The STA (Spokane Transit Authority) is an excellent way to get around to the North, South, and West sides as well as to the Valley and Liberty Lake in the east. Public Transit is a great way to get to meet the people of a city. Bus route maps can be found in a few stores and and gas stations. Most drivers are very friendly and helpful so ask any questions you may have.

Beginning December 4, 2006 STA will be moving to a new farebox and adding 2 hour and all day passes. With the new fare boxes you must ask the driver for a pass before you put your fare in the fare box.[13]

By Car

Car rentals are available in many locations, mainly near the Spokane International Airport.

Interstate 90 is an excellent way to cross town East-West. A north-south freeway is under construction, and won't be finished for years. Allow more time if you have to go very far in this direction, as there's no express route yet. (The construction itself is unlikely to cause you any delays, as it's not on the main roadways.)

Check with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for current driving conditions. [14]

By Bike

Spokane is located in a valley, bicycling around can be difficult due to the hills. This can be complicated by weather, which can be cold and snowy in winter and hot and dry in the summer. It is suggested that bikers avoid Division as it is the main thoroughfare. There are other options available with more space, less traffic and slower speeds.

The Centennial Trail runs along the Spokane River from downtown Coeur d'Alene on through the Spokane Valley and downtown Spokane ending in Riverside State Park. It is good for bicycling, roller blading, or walking.

See

Downtown Spokane is the hub of the region dubbed "The Inland Northwest." It is the center for all of your shopping centers, medical centers, main attractions and hotels. [15]

Riverfront Park was the host of the 1974 World's Fair. All the pavilions still exist, and the park itself is beautifully maintained. Maps of downtown Spokane (which include a park map) can be found in most hotels and stores and gas stations nearby. [16]

Downtown Oasis - Riverfront Park

Manito Park located between 18th Ave and 25nd Ave, West of Grand Blvd. East of Bernard Street. Its steep hills make it a popular wintertime sledding spot. A zoo until 1933, Manito is now a year-round home to a friendly flock of geese and ducks. Visit the park's Rose Garden in the Summer, or the free Japanese Gardens on the Bernard Street side of the park. [17]

Monroe Street Bridge newly opened after 2 years of reconstruction. This bridge was built in 1911 and is the largest arch bridge in the United States of America. Take a beautiful walk across the falls of the Spokane River. On the outskirts of Downtown (Locals know it well, just ask one).

Riverside State Park Bowl and Pitcher is basalt rock formations in the middle of the fast flowing Spokane River. Overlook and suspension bridge on east side is a great way to experience Spokane's motto: Near Nature Near Perfect. [18]

The Knitting Factory is one of the Northwest's premier concert houses. It is a 1,500-capacity concert venue, and features top performers from around the world as well as dance club nights hosted weekly. It is easily found in the heart of Downtown Spokane, on the corner of Sprague and Monroe. [19]

Spokane County Courthouse Located at W 1116 Broadway. Worth a visit. This interesting courthouse was completed in 1895 in 16th century French Renaissance style. [20]

Finch Arboretum, West 3404 Woodlawn Blvd. (Southwest of town just off Sunset Blvd.). Free.

Broadview Dairy Museum/Caterina Winery The Broadview Dairy building has been a landmark in Spokane since the 1920's, originally built as a commercial dairy, the facility is now more open to the public, and now includes a milk production museum, the still operating dairy, and the Caterina Winery. [21]

Davenport Arts District - at 2nd and Madison

Ft. George Wright National Historical District

Gonzaga University

Mobius Childrens Museum

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

One of a Kind in the World Museum

Spokane Falls

Tour Guides

ROW Adventure Center- Rated as one of the "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" by National Geographic this company offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, bike tours, hiking tours and fly fishing in and around Spokane, WA. You can book most trips online and they are very affordable. They have a Adventuer Center right downtown in Spokane, WA. You can also call: Toll Free: (800) 451-6034.

Do

Golf- There are 33 golf courses within a short drive of the city center. The city of Spokane runs 4 Public golf courses including the award winning Indian Canyon, Spokane County runs 6 other public courses. The Coeur d'Alene resort golf course features a green floating in the lake.

Spokane Rafting- The Spokane River offers great whitewater rafting. Some parts of the year, rafters can experience up to class IV rapids. The ROW Adventure Centerruns rafting trips on the Upper Spokane (gentle float trips) and the Lower Spokane which starts just under the Spokane Falls Downtown Spokane and ends near 5 mile at the end of Riverside State Park. It's a beautiful trip with great rapids.

Kayak Spokane- Spokane has a great kayaking club and it's a good way to experience the outdoors and the city. There are guided kayak tours available too.

Spokane Bike Tours- During the summer months, Spokane is a beautiful city to explore on a bike. A trip through Riverside State Park is a must. Centennial Trail bike rides and tours are another way to go through the city, learn about the history of the area and enjoy the outdoors. The ROW Adventure Center offers an inexpensive option called the Pedal and Paddle series that combines rafting or kayaking with bike tours.

Events

Bloomsday[22] This 12 kilometer run/walk is perfect for anyone of any age. Bloomsday is the world's largest timed road race with over 50,000 participants each year. The race is always the first Sunday in May.

Lilac Festival[23] The country's largest Armed Forces Day celebration including the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Held annually on the third Saturday in May.

Hoopfest[24] The worlds largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament, with courts spread out all over downtown. Hoopfest takes place over the last weekend in June.

Spokane Gay/Lesbian Film Festival[26] Held annually on the first weekend of November, the festival presents a weekend of independent film.

Get Lit! Programs Festival[27] The week long literary festival held annually in the Spring with educational outreach programs throughout the year. It celebrates literature for all ages with readings, workshops, panel discussions, slams, fairs, contests, and more.

Bare Buns Fun Run[28] Largest clothing-optional timed road race in the U.S. Five kilometers run/walk on pressed gravel. Family-oriented code of conduct applies. Last Sunday in July since 1984. North Deer Lake Road exit from US-395, then about 10 miles (16 km). Drive with caution on the narrow, winding road.

Listen

Buy

Many of the newer, suburban-style stores and shopping centers are located on the far north side of the city. The huge Northtown Mall is on the NE corner of Division (US Hwy 2/395) & Wellesley. A mile further up is Francis Ave., and there are many places to shop as you go north on both Division (US 395) and the Newport Hwy (US 2) (which soon splits off from Division).

Huckleberry's Natural Market 926 South Monroe Street (509) 624-1349 7am-10pm The 9th Street Bistro inside this grocery store is a bustling cafe that serves $4.00 breakfast specials. Vegetarian friendly deli. Enjoy a toasted bagel with lox from the meat counter, or some freshly rolled sushi. Huckleberry's is the only natural grocery store of its kind in Eastern Washington. Large wine and bulk foods selection. Some Rosauers Grocery Stores and Super 1 Foods also have a smaller Huckleberry's Market (without a bistro) inside the store.

River Park Square[29] Recently renovated shopping center located in the center of downtown, just across from Riverfront Park. River Park Square is home to a 20 screen movie theater. Upscale stores such as Nordstroms, Williams Sonoma, Macy's and Restoration Hardware. A diverse collection of specialty stores selling items ranging from walking sticks to chocolates. Satisfy your hunger at the fast food court or at one of its many sit down restaurants. River Park Square is also a great place for kids with a childrens museum, bookstore and toy store. Skywalks connect River Park Square with the rest of downtown.

Other

The Rockwood Bakery[31] 315 E 18th Ave. Located less than a block from Manito Park, The Rockwood Bakery is great for a mid-day coffee or pastry after a day in the park.

Coffee Social[32] 3113 W Indiana, +1 509 327-7127. Coffee Social is a locally owned organic coffee house located on Indiana, 1.5 blocks west of Division. They serve Doma coffee and yummy food made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Tuesday nights are game night, and Thursday nights might have music. Hours are 7 AM to 10 PM every day, and they offer a 10% discount on the drink of your choice if you arrive by foot, bike or bus. The free wi-fi and laid back atmosphere make this a great place to spend some time. Mondays: open mic/jam night, Tuesdays: game night, Thursdays: acoustic music night. Appears to be closed permanently as of December, 2010.

Saunders Cheese Market[33] 210 S Washington, +1 509 455-9400. Located in the east central part of downtown, this shop offers many cheeses from the United States, including the Pacific Northwest, and abroad. Cheese plates are also offered, and there is wine by the glass, or you can bring in wine from the conveniently neighboring Vino! Wine Shop.

Drink

Being a Western city in the U.S., it has its fair share of bars and taverns. Washington state law says Bars can sell alcoholic beverages of their choice, while Taverns are restricted to Beer and wines and such. Along Sprague in Downtown, there are a fair number of Bars and Taverns.

Jack & Dan's Bar & Grill: [34] 1226 N Hamilton St, +1 509 487-6546. Classic sports bar owned by the father of former NBA & Gonzaga University star John Stockton. Sitting on the edge of Gonzaga University, it naturally caters to the students and is packed to watch basketball games. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10 PM.

Far West Billiards: [35] 1001 W 1st Ave, +1 509 455-3429. Located in the historic Montvale Hotel at First and Monroe in downtown Spokane, Far West Billiards is the choice for an evening of great food, premium drinks, and casual pool. They pour only premium liquors, use only fresh fruit (no mixes), and always have several interesting beers on tap.

The Viking Tavern: [36] 1221 N Stevens, +1 509 326-2942. A pub requires a healthy flow of suds. The Viking Tavern, long a Spokane beer mecca, has 26 beers on tap and 125-plus in bottles, and always free popcorn. To encourage variety, the Viking has an annual Tour de Beers contest in which participants try to make their way through as many brews as possible between May and September. Winners get Tour de Beers shirts and hats. Friday nights they usually have interesting music.

Northern Lights Brewing Co.: 1003 E Trent, +1 509 242-2739. For fresh local beer, head to Northern Lights Brewing Co., on the banks of the Spokane River. This is a true brewpub, offering sampler trays (and pints, of course) of its fine locally made ales, including its famous Crystal Bitter and Chocolate Dunkel. Northern Lights also has an ambitious food menu.

O'Doherty's Irish Grille: [37] W 525 Spokane Falls Blvd, +1 509 747-0322. This is a place to gather, chat, tip a pint and enjoy a little Irish flavor. Guinness and Harp on tap. Live Irish music on Tuesday nights. After you've been there a while you'll probably want to become a member of the O'Doherty's family by standing on the bar, singing a song for the entire bar, and stapling a dollar on the wall. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10 PM.

Twigs Bistro, 401 E Farwell. 10-11. Twigs is first a martini bar and second a restaurant. However, their breakfast, which is only sold on the weekend, is superb. Their Creme Brule French Toast is wonderful. Dinner is a typical menu, burgers, pizza, etc. Their drink selection is very good.

Budget

Hotel Lusso, 808 W Sprague Ave, ☎+1 509 747-9750, [3]. A boutique hotel located downtown, Hotel Lusso is a great choice for every type of traveler because of its location and class of service. The hotel has a very charming European ambiance to it. With 48 rooms, the hotel has an intimate feel, but doesn't lack in luxury. There is also a new popular bar located adjacent to the lobby called The Post St. Ale House serving 20 beers on tap and traditional pub food. Hotel Lusso was also recently named to the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine Gold List.(47.658552,-117.423935)

Microtel Spokane/Airway Heights, 1215 S Garfield Rd, +1 509 242-1200, [38]. Microtel is pleased to be the first economy/budget hotel brand to offer guests free local and free long distance calls in the continental United States, and free wireless high-speed Internet access in every room of our hotels, as well as advance online check-in and check-out with unlimited access to online folio information. These new amenities compliment our other standard amenities including remote TV with ESPN, CNN and one movie channel and complimentary continental breakfast.

Red Lion Hotel at the Park Spokane Hotel, 303 W North River Dr, ☎+1 509 326-8000, [6]. Situated at the edge of Riverfront Park, on the banks of the cascading Spokane River, the Red Lion Hotel at the Park is a beautifully renovated hotel that delivers a new level of hospitality to business and vacation travelers in Spokane, Washington.

Splurge

The Davenport Hotel and Tower, 10 S Post St, ☎+1 509 455-8888, [8]. Spokane's only four diamond hotel. Rated in the top ten best hotels in America by Expedia. Located in the heart of Downtown and the Davenport District (Art District), the Davenport Hotel and Tower offers luxury accommodations and first class service. From their own custom made "Davenport Bed" to the three award winning restaurants and bars, the historic hotel doesn't skimp on details. The hotel, which under went a multimillion dollar renovation in 2002,is locally owned and operated and it shows in the personal service received. You can see the hotels extensive history dating back from 1914 throughout the hotel's Western European inspired rooms, lobbies and restaurants.(47.656876,-117.424257)

Montvale Hotel, 1005 W First Ave, +1 509 747-1919, [53]. Small European style boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown by the Fox Theater.

Stay safe

All-in-all people in Spokane are very kind and hospitable. It is a very safe city at most times of the day and there are no really bad neighborhoods to be advised of. That being said, Hillyard, the East Sprague red light district, and the west side area north of downtown are not great places to be alone at night. Also, use caution when walking through Riverfront Park or on the Centennial Trail at night.

Contact

Spokane is one of a few cities nationwide that has Wi-Fi access just about everywhere Downtown. The entire Downtown area is a Wi-Fi hotspot or an area where wireless Internet is provided free of charge (2 hours per day) if your computer is equipped for Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, there's no free Wi-Fi at the airport yet, though the Boingo network (daily fee) is available.

Cope

Consulates

Germany (Honorary). As of Sep 2010, the consul was in the process of being reassigned.

Get out

Although the destinations of Seattle, Portland, Glacier National Park, Mount Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens are popular with locals, these are not day trips, and even a two-day excursion will seem rushed. The distance to Mt. St. Helens is easily underestimated, as the only access is from I-5 between Seattle and Portland (with substantial backtracking).

Being in the foothills of the Rockies, Spokane has excellent skiing in the wintertime. An hour's drive north of city takes you to its most cherished ski resort; Mt. Spokane Ski Resort. [54]. 15 miles from the intersection of US Highway 2 and Highway 206 to the northwest of Spokane

Also, 40 minutes east of downtown is the lakefront tourist town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's also known for its quaint downtown.

Fairchild AFB[55], just west of Spokane International Airport on US Highway 2 (only for special events open to the public; otherwise a current Department of Defense ID card is required)

Mt. Spokane State Park[56], a camping park in the Selkirk Mountains. At the top of the 5,883' summit there are great views, as far as Canada. Camping in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter. 25 miles northeast of Spokane.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!